DAT SCAN

DAT Scan is used to assess the pre-synaptic striatal uptake in the putamen and caudate of the brain. The different uptake patterns can differentiate between:

• Parkinsonian syndrom and an essential tremor

DaTSCAN has a dopamine transporter radioligand which allows it to be taken up by the dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia (putamen & caudate) of the brain.

Positioning the Patient:

Both detectors should be in lateral positions. Detector 1 should be in left lateral and detector 2 should be in right lateral.

 Patient should be laying supine with the head between both detectors. Patient should be on head rest. You should have 2 straps for chin and forehead. Check if the patient is straight by using their chin as a guide now the nose.

Attempt to align the ear of patient with middle of detector. Use a point source on ear to position the caudate and putamen in FOV. The caudate and putamen are always above the ears meaning you do not have to image the whole head. This is good for patients with short necks.

 Now you find the radius by mapping around the patient avoiding any collision between camera and detectors. Once you go around patient 180 degrees. Put detector 1 anterior and detector 2 posterior.

You can now begin acquisition.

Acquisition parameters:

Matrix size : 128 x 128

High resolution collimator

Dual head camera

     

60 projections per head

30 seconds per view

Imaging time : 45 min

Case Studies:

The following case studies were acquired at Holy Name Medical Center:

CASE #1

 Report Results:

Abnormal scan consistent with Parkinson's syndrome

CASE #2

 Report Results:

Scan is negative for Parkinson's disease

If you want additional information; go to the the following link:

DaTSCAN